Into a new training plan

I'm finally getting into a new training plan as I work towards the trail half in April.  Back in 2002, I ran a road half marathon in something like 1:50, so my goal for the trail half is to finish in under 2 hours.  That means running approximately 9 minute miles on the trail, and therefore, faster miles on the road in training.  I'd also like to increase my mile pace so I can run with a new running buddy, Colleen, that I met recently.  We did our first run together on the Riverwalk downtown.  While I was killing myself, she seemed just fine...though she was gracious enough to slow down for me anyway!

So, I'm starting to build some mileage now and measuring where the upper end of my pace is.  What feels fast right now is a little under 9 minute miles, so I have some work to do, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be after running such a slow pace (11 minute miles) for the marathon in October.  Though I tell myself that I can take it easy right now, my body is really into the exercise and wants to push.  I guess I won't argue with that!

This week:

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012
Run - 2.5 miles

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
Run with buddy - 3.5 miles

Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012
Cross Training - Dodge ball league - 1 hour of cardio

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Hard/long run - 4.25 miles (total time 37:44, mile pace 8:51)
[Also a 0.9 mile walk with the hubby]

Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012
Run - 3.1 miles (total time 27:42, mile pace 8:56)
[Also a 1.2 mile walk with the hubby]